PM Modi Receives Unique Artwork from Italian Artist During Rome Visit

Artistic Exchange in Rome

On May 20, during his visit to Italy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was gifted a painting of Varanasi's ghats by Italian artist Giampaolo Tomassetti.

Tomassetti has been immersed in Indian culture for over four decades, beginning his journey with Vedic book illustrations in the 1980s and later creating 23 large-scale paintings inspired by the Mahabharata.

A photo shared on social media shows PM Modi alongside Tomassetti, standing next to the vibrant artwork that captures the sacred Ganges riverfront, complete with boats and ghats.

In a post, PM Modi remarked, "A glimpse of Kashi in Rome! Mr. Giampaolo Tomassetti, an Italian painter, presented his work on Varanasi. His passion for Indian culture goes back over four decades. In the 1980s, he started as an illustrator for books on Vedic culture. From 2008 to 2013, he worked on 23 large paintings relating to the Mahabharata."

Tomassetti's impressive collection of oil paintings reinterprets the Mahabharata, an ancient Indian epic.

His introduction to the Mahabharata occurred at age 17 through Peter Brook's theatrical adaptation, sparking a lifelong fascination. After dedicating five years to studying the epic, he spent around 12 years on the painting project, which unfolded in phases. His artistic journey took him to various locations in Italy, including Città di Castello and Perugia, and involved collaboration with the International Vedic Art Academy at Villa Vrindavan.

Among his significant works are depictions of Partha-Sarathi (Krishna as Arjuna's charioteer), the moment Krishna extends Draupadi's sari during her humiliation, and the dramatic escape of Arjuna and Subhadra in a chariot scene set in Dwarka.

Other notable moments captured include various battle scenes, Krishna's return to Dwarka, and Shishupala's insults towards Krishna. The artworks often feature expansive landscapes, intricate architectural details (like the idealized Indraprastha), flying creatures, and expressive characters.

PM Modi arrived in Rome on Tuesday for the final leg of his five-nation tour, receiving a warm welcome from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who posted on social media, "Welcome to Rome, my friend!"

Following their meeting, PM Modi enjoyed dinner with Meloni, expressing eagerness for discussions aimed at strengthening India-Italy relations.

"Upon landing in Rome, I had the opportunity to meet Prime Minister Meloni over dinner, followed by a visit to the iconic Colosseum. We exchanged perspectives on a wide range of subjects. I look forward to our talks today, where we will continue the conversation on enhancing the India-Italy friendship," PM Modi shared on social media.

Later, both leaders visited the Colosseum together.

PM Modi is set to engage in bilateral discussions with PM Meloni and meet President Sergio Mattarella.

The Prime Minister's agenda includes talks at the historic Villa Doria Pamphili, where both leaders are expected to adopt a joint declaration to deepen the strategic partnership between India and Italy.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) shared details of the visit on social media, stating, "Scripting a new chapter in the India-Italy Strategic Partnership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Rome on an official visit to Italy. He was warmly received at the airport by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani of Italy."

The MEA added, "India and Italy share a longstanding and multifaceted partnership. This visit is poised to inject new momentum into the India-Italy relationship."

This visit comes at a time of increasing momentum in bilateral ties, with both nations actively implementing the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029, which encompasses cooperation in trade, investment, defense, clean energy, innovation, science and technology, and cultural exchanges.

The MEA noted, "A comprehensive roadmap for cooperation in various sectors, including bilateral trade, which reached USD 16.77 billion in 2025; boosting investment, which has recorded a cumulative FDI of USD 3.66 billion (April 2000-September 2025); defense and security; clean energy; innovation; science and technology; and people-to-people ties."

The visit is also expected to enhance India’s engagement with Europe, particularly in trade and investment, following the recent conclusion of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

PM Modi last visited Italy in June 2024 for the G7 Summit.